Grants Betting Shop staff recall Ratu Epeli’s humble daily visits

A Suva betting outlet has unexpectedly become a place of reflection and remembrance for former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.

This reflection highlights how informal public spaces can evolve into sites of political memory beyond state funerals and official tributes.

At Grants Betting Shop in Suva, staff are recalling the late former Head of State not in formal ceremonial settings, but in the everyday rhythms of a workplace he frequently visited.

For employees, the outlet has become a space where memories of his humour, humility and regular interactions with staff continue to surface.

Grants Betting Supervisor Sulueti Kotoisuva said Ratu Epeli was a familiar face at the outlet over many years, often engaging casually with workers and other patrons.

“He always stopped and talked to everyone, no matter who you are. He was a very kind and gentle person,” she said.

She said the former President’s visits were part of the daily life of the outlet, where he would spend time interacting with staff, placing bets and returning later in the day.

“For us, this is the place where he spends most of his time as he always comes and jokes with the staff,” Ms Kotoisuva said.

Employees say the outlet became more than just a betting venue when he was present, turning into a space of familiarity and shared stories that blurred the lines between public office and everyday life.

Staff said they grew accustomed to his routines and personality, including his conversations with workers and his light-hearted humour that created a welcoming atmosphere.

Beyond the betting outlet, staff also recall his interactions with people outside the establishment, including shoeshine boys in the area, where he would often offer words of encouragement and advice on humility and kindness.

“He always says you have to be humble and kind to people, especially the shoeshine boys, he always talks to them,” she said.

Staff also remember his generosity, saying he would sometimes share winnings with friends around him, adding to his reputation as someone who did not distance himself from ordinary citizens.

“Especially when he wins big, he gives some tips to his battling friends ,” she said.

For many staff, the memories are personal, including one occasion when false reports of his death circulated, only for him to appear at the outlet the following day as usual.

However, when news of his passing was later confirmed, staff initially struggled to believe it, given their previous experience of misinformation.

“We thought it was fake like before, but then we came to realise that he really died,” she said.

“He gave us good memories and we all miss him, especially here at this workplace,” Ms Kotoisuva added.

As tributes continue across the country, the Suva betting outlet stands as an unusual but telling space of remembrance, one where national leadership is recalled not in formal halls or state ceremonies, but in everyday conversations, shared routines and personal interactions between a former Head of State and ordinary citizens.